Special Olympics track & field event

Jonesboro, AR (KAIT) - Special Olympic competitors from all over Craighead and Poinsett counties took to the track today to compete for their spot on the podium.

The stage was set and the torch was lit as a large crowd came out to watch and volunteer as the large number of athletes took down the track.

Theresa Book with the Arkansas Special Olympics said that there were nearly 600 athletes at the games today.

With all of those athletes out competing today their was a need for a large amount of volunteers which were happy to come out and help out at the event.

Keith Linder was one of the volunteers out at the track today and said, "I started three years ago as a class requirement and I've been back since then every year. Just for fun. I enjoy it."

With all of the volunteers, plenty of help came from around Jonesboro in other ways as well.

Theresa Book said, "I think verizon, the Jonesboro board of relators are out here giving away things at Olympic city to the athletes, some goody bags... We have the Knights of Columbus who volunteered to cook our meals for our athletes."

The event had no shortage in events held as well.

Theresa Book said, "We had the fifty meter walk. Twenty-Five meter wheel chairs, softball throw, tennis ball throw, running and standing long jump, shot-put, um, any of the running events and wheelchair events that we could come up with for them and then the different throwing events."

With all of the events at hand, many competitors had the opportunity to do multiple events.

One of the athletes today, Jaclyn Gonzales said, "Today I am doing the 800-meter walk and the shot putt."

The beautiful weather out today made it a great day for the event.

If you missed out on the event today, don't worry, the Summer games are right around the corner in Searcy on May 22nd, 23rd, and 24th.

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